Sam Cluck

Sam A. Cluck joined the 160th Field Artillery Regiment of the Oklahoma National Guard in 1935 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, and was mobilized with the unit in 1940. Because he was the father of a small child, he was separated from the service a year later and worked in an aircraft factory until being drafted for service in World War II. After the war, he returned to the 160th Field Artillery, working his way through the ranks to First Sergeant. In 1950 he became a full-time unit administrator at the Wewoka Armory. Late in that year, he accompanied the unit when it was mobilized and served with it during the Korean War.

Following service in Korea, he returned to his Oklahoma National Guard job in Wewoka, being promoted to Command Sergeant Major of the 120th Service and Support Battalion in 1975. Shortly after retiring from his full-time job in 1978, he became Command Sgt. Maj. of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, serving in that capacity until 1980. During his time with the National Guard, Cluck served for 12 consecutive summers as the TAC NCO for the State's Officer Candidate School where he mentored many future senior and general officers.

The award presented annually in the Oklahoma National Guard to the unit displaying the best administration and operation for the year bears his name in recognition of his exceptional devotion to duty. He has received the Legion of Merit, Army Meritorious Service, World War II Veterans, National Defense Service, United Nations Service, Korean Service and Good Conduct medals among others along with 11 service stripes. Former Oklahoma Governor David Boren said of Cluck, "He symbolizes all that is best in the American military tradition. He truly loves his country and expects everyone who works with him to meet the highest possible standards."